This thesis looks at Brazil as a development actor in the framework of South-South
Development Cooperation. By using a qualitative method of document analysis it aims at
exploring how Brazil understands and presents its own position, with a focus on outlining
basic conceptions, principles, and how their position relates to the international development
community and partnering countries. The analysis is conducted deriving from theoretical tools
and concepts of rhetoric, legitimacy, identity and a rights based approach to development. The
conduction of a rhetorical analysis has highlighted the Brazilian claim for a different approach
to development. In this context we find that the Brazilian position is motivated from a stance
of perceiving existing development to be insufficient, and argued for in principles of e.g.
solidarity, equal partnership and respect for sovereignty, but at the same time as a desire for
expanded influence on a international arena. When analyzed in relation to identity and legitimacy the guiding principles for Brazil´s SSDC portrays a dynamic and twofold position in which Brazil cannot be identified fully to the South nor the North, but at the same time
shows affinities, desire and capacity to relate with both. The findings further demonstrate that
the Brazilian approach aligns to many of the essential elements of a rights based approach to
development, while also pushes the understanding of the concept of ownership further in the
aim to distance themselves from traditional donor-recipient relationship. In sum this thesis
sheds light on some gaps in the debate on emerging donors, were Brazils engagement can be
understood as standing as a perceived trustworthy partner in a rather silent but significant
push for a new ways of development cooperation.... more